SHIGELLOSIS ON INDIAN RESERVES IN MANITOBA, CANADA - ITS RELATIONSHIPTO CROWDED HOUSING, LACK OF RUNNING WATER, AND INADEQUATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL

Objectives. This study compares incidence and hospitalization rates fo r shigellosis between Indians and the rest of the population in Manito ba, Canada. It examines the relationship between shigellosis and envir onmental conditions on reserves. Methods. Rates were calculated with s urveillance data and a survey of environmental infrastructure was done . Results. Indians had shigellosis incidence and hospitalization rates that were 29 and 12 times as high, respectively, as those of the rest of the population. Household crowding, lack of piped water, and inade quate sewage disposal were significantly associated with an increased incidence of shigellosis on reserves. Conclusions. Many cases of shige llosis may be prevented by improving living conditions on Indian reser ves.